Following protracted negotiations between the Minnesota House and Senate, a new law banning the use of cell phones in cars except for if they are being used “hands-free” was voted on recently. Passed by large numbers of both Democrats and Republicans, it was signed into law by Governor Walz, and will now take effect in August. So what does this
Along with news, daily email flood brings scams, spam, quirky claims
The U.S. Mail once arrived in a stuffed sack worthy of Santa on Christmas Eve. When I started in journalism five decades ago, the daily mail bag delivered news tips, letters from readers and press releases that often provided background information and ideas for stories. When the big bag landed in the newsroom, a clerk would sort each piece, putting
T’was a dangerous practical joke
Like my dad, there’s nothing I enjoy better than a good, harmless practical joke. Except my latest one wasn’t harmless; it almost got me killed. It all started when neighbor Marty asked me to watch her soap opera, “The Young and the Restless” – a show she’s watched for years. She couldn’t watch it that day because she had a
Urban explorers risk injury, arrest for social media fame
Two popular hobbies – one pursued in the real, physical world and one practiced in the virtual, digital world – converged in Watab Township last week. For years, adventurers have found excitement as urban explorers – roaming through abandoned buildings, caves and tunnels. Media attention and technology popularized and glamorized the activity fueling increased interest. Recent television shows such as
College scam highlights large problems
It was a shock to many Americans when federal prosecutors in Massachusetts announced charges against 50 people for one of the biggest college admissions scams in American history. As a college student myself, it was disappointing to see a system that advertises itself as being based on merit and effort was being blatantly undermined. Unfortunately, with how important college is
Even though the calendar says so, spring isn’t here yet
It’s spring. I know this because the calendar said so. Spring arrived at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. And I know this because last week, we sprang forward for daylight-saving time (more about that later.) So now I can shovel snow at 8 p.m. without turning on the porch light. I know spring is here because I spent a couple
Do not discard your Social Security card
Whatever you do, do not throw away your Social Security card. About a year ago, while weeding useless cards from my stuffed wallet, I came across a fragment of something that in ancient times had once been my Social Security card. Faded, scruffed, creased and thin as onion-skin, it looked like a tattered scrap from one of the Dead Sea
It’s time to consider a mayor for president
The field of Democrats who want to be president grows every day with about a dozen announced candidates and several more hinting at a run for a chance to challenge Donald Trump. Lots of attention focuses on the six U.S. Senators who have entered the race. But let’s not forget the mayors running too. Governors, vice-presidents and senators often find